“Theater in itself is kind of notched up from reality,” said Bobby Schaffer, the show’s director.

“Then, add on top of that the fact that you’re doing comedy and that takes it up some more. Then, you’ve got to take it up even further to get to the level you need for farce.”

The result, hopefully, is a lighter-than-air concoction.

“Farce is all about entertainment,” Schaffer said. “You don’t have to think a lot when you go. You just go there to laugh, and laugh a lot.”

The Simon farce takes place in a posh suburban New York home for the 10th wedding anniversary of the hosts, Deputy Mayor Charlie Brock and wife Myra, who remains unseen through the show.

But when Ken and Chris Gorman (played by Jonathan Mobley and Lacy Lambert) arrive, they discover Myra has gone missing and Charlie has shot himself in the head — a flesh wound only, mind you.

“Everything else revolves around how they go about trying to find out what happened and also trying to keep this scandal from spilling out everywhere,” Schaffer said. “They’re trying to contain this rumor that could damage everyone’s lives.”

In the process, “every time you turn around it’s zinger, zinger, zinger,” said Don Shipman, who plays psychoanalyst Ernie Cusack.

Newcomer Ali Johnson plays the brittle Claire Ganz. She said the light atmosphere of the play transfers to rehearsals.

“I was scared to death, but these people are so kind and gracious,” Johnson said.

“When you’re having fun and goofing with your friends, it’s easy to act like a lunatic.”

How to go

■ What: Amarillo Little Theatre’s “Rumors”

■ When: 8 p.m. Thursday through March 3 and March 8 to 10; 2:30 p.m. March 11

■ Where: ALT Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle

■ How much: $17 adults, $14 seniors and students and $11 children Thursdays and Sundays; $19 adults, $17 seniors and students and $13 children Fridays and Saturdays